Four decades of The Leela, built by its people

As the hospitality brand marks four decades, it is recognising the employees and long-serving associates who have contributed to its growth and culture

As The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts marks 40 years since its founding, the milestone also highlights the contribution of employees who have been part of the brand’s growth from a single hotel in Mumbai to a multi-property luxury hospitality company.

For four decades, the brand has focused on hospitality, service and guest experience. Drawing from the Indian ethos of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, The Leela’s operations have been shaped by generations of associates across its hotels and corporate functions.

Celebrating Associates

The 40-year celebrations began earlier this year with a corporate townhall involving teams from across the company’s hotels. The event brought together associates from different locations to reflect on the brand’s history and acknowledge the contributions of its workforce.

As part of the event, employees participated in a commemorative pinning ceremony and received 40-year badges. Long-serving associates were also recognised for their years of service and contribution to the organisation.

Journeys of Growth

For many associates, The Leela’s story is deeply intertwined with their own. Their journeys reflect not only the growth of a hospitality brand, but the evolution of a culture built on care, excellence and belonging.

Reflecting on her 31-year journey with the organisation, Seema Jadhav, Assistant Manager – Marketing shares, “What began as my first job soon became an opportunity to witness the making of True Indian Luxury. From just two hotels then to 15 today, I have truly grown alongside The Leela.”

Her words echo the experiences of many long-serving associates who have spent decades helping shape the brand while building lifelong careers and relationships along the way.

Leadership Development

The Leela’s commitment to nurturing talent is reflected in the journeys of many of its leaders. Having joined the organisation in his early years and risen from Management Trainee to Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sridhar Nair’s story embodies the opportunities, mentorship and culture of excellence that have long defined The Leela.

“Having witnessed The Leela’s remarkable evolution firsthand, I have had the privilege of growing alongside the brand through some of its most defining moments. From my early years with the organisation to taking on leadership responsibilities today, the journey has been shaped by learning, growth and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As we celebrate four decades of True Indian Luxury, I feel immense pride in being part of a brand that continues to set benchmarks for Indian hospitality while remaining deeply rooted in its values and people.”

Founder’s Influence

Many of these stories also carry the enduring influence of the brand’s Founder, Captain C. P. Krishnan Nair, whose vision continues to inspire The Leela’s culture today.

Anita Kakodkar, Vice President – Architecture and Design who has been part of the organisation for 28 years, recalls a lesson that has stayed with her throughout her career “Even in a half-built space, he saw the finished story – not just the architecture, but the emotion a guest would one day feel.”

It was a philosophy that extended far beyond design, shaping a culture where every detail is considered through the lens of the guest experience.

A Culture of Belonging

For others, what has endured most is the sense of community that has defined life at The Leela. After three decades with the brand, Sarita Thomas, Executive Assistant – Corporate Finance, describes what wearing the Leela name means to her in a single word: “Family.”

It is a sentiment that speaks to the culture of warmth, respect and genuine hospitality that has remained unchanged even as the brand has grown and evolved over the years.